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If you’re like me and live on the Northside of the city, you’ve grown accustomed to the spots around Nob Hill, the Heights and other surrounding areas close to the Sandias. It’s a drive, and if you don’t time it right, you’ll get stuck in that dreadful after-work traffic. The Westside may seem like a foreign land to us Northsiders, but the area is sprawling with great local breweries begging for your business. It is also popping up new places even in lockdown. An area ripe for opportunity, with classics in a five-mile radius.

Sobremesa Restaurant and Brewery 

This Latin-American flavored brewery opened its doors in the middle of the pandemic. Even with the gigantic hurdle of lockdown, Sobremesa was the talk of the Westside as the best new brewery. Straight off Coors Blvd. NW it gleams with sophistication and flare. If you’re a fan of sours, I recommend their Blackberry Sour ($7). It works in each season and pairs perfectly with their Latin-rich menu. If you grab a bite to eat, make sure to order some Pollo Asado Tacos ($3 a piece). Rich with spices and topped off with chipotle mayo your mouth will be in heaven.

Sobremesa Restaurant and Brewery
3421 Coors Blvd NW
Neighborhood: Westside
Category: Brewery
Phone: (505) 444-5555

$ – $$
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Boxing Bear Brewing Company 

When I first moved to Albuquerque, going to the Westside never cross my mind. Especially going to Corrales. But a couple of friends told me Boxing Bear Brewery had some of the finest selections. A cool place with a chill atmosphere, it’s a brewery fit for the area it’s in. Most of the time I’ll catch myself there in the wintertime. When it’s chilly, I tend to hover over brews with a thicker body. An all-time favorite of mine is their Chocolate Milk Stout. Smooth and chocolatey it’s the perfect winter beer. Boxing Bear also has a rad patio. A definite stop during lockdown.

Boxing Bear Brewing Co.
10200 Corrales Road NW
Neighborhood: Westside
Category: Brewery
Phone: 505-897-BEAR (2327)

$ – $$
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Desert Valley Brewing Co.

Desert Valley opened its location on a cursed lot. A number of locations at 3700 Ellison NW came and went, yet this brewery has thrived. With a combination of good drinks and food, Desert Valley established itself as a hot spot on the Westside. While the brewery doesn’t have a catalog of its own beers, they do make their own ciders. Occasionally I drink a cider or two when the heat beats down. When it’s that time, I head here for a Sandia Cider, a watermelon-flavored drink that gives you a taste of Albuquerque. While you’re at it, grab my favorite Green Chile Chicken Philly ($12). The chopped up chicken inside a topping-covered hoagie will stimulate your senses.

Desert Valley Brewing
3700 Ellison Road NW
Neighborhood: Westside
Category: Brewery
Phone: (505) 899-8494

$ – $$
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Take some time out of your day to drive out to the Westside and see what they have to offer. Trust me you’re in for a treat.